Pigeonhole Home Store
The first time I met with Carey Salvador we connected instantly. On one rainy winter morning over strong Habit coffee, we talked on end about home design, our mutual love of antiques and the rich history held by objects from the past. Carey had reached out to me to potentially create the branding for her new venture, Pigeonhole Home Store, a vintage and new home goods shop set to open in Victoria's Fernwood neighbourhood. By the end of our first meeting I was certain that the shop would be warmly embraced by our city and I was beyond excited to create the branding for this wonderful new addition to the community.
Inspired by shop signs from the past, I went to work designing a type-based logo reminiscent of general stores from the early 1900's. Collaborating with my friend and fine furniture maker Christen Lalonde, the signage on the Begbie Street side of the building consists of handcrafted wooden letters, fastened with copper piping to compliment the beautiful brass light fixtures. Classic gold decals grace the front door and transom.
Close to six months later, Pigeonhole Home Store has opened it's beautiful door at the corner of Stanley Avenue and Begbie Street in the vibrant Fernwood neighbourhood.
Photography by Kelly Brown
Visit
Pigeonhole Home Store
1606 Stanley Avenue, Victoria
Open Tuesday - Saturday 11-6 & Sundays from 12 -5
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Inspired by Laura Harris
Two days before I was to first meet with Laura Harris, she spotted me at the coffee shop working away, looking a little messy in a pair of overalls. She leaned over and warmly introduced herself proclaiming how much she loved them. I knew immediately that Laura and I were cut from the same linen cloth.
From the first time we met, it was clear that we shared a common creative ground and with similar beginnings in graphic design and painting, it was significant for me to see first hand, how everything that I'm working towards in this life is attainable. Laura is living proof of this for me. I was honoured that she wanted to work with me and excited to bring everything about her beautiful life and paintings into a curated and clear narrative.
Working with Laura on both her personal brand and a new website for her paintings and workshops, we started the project with a styled shoot of her home and studio with photographer Gillian Stevens. Here are just a few of the beautiful images that were captured on the warm summer day in July.
Learn more about Laura's workshops, view her dynamic paintings and read her blog by visiting: www.lauraharrisartist.com.
Deep Cove Solitude
For the past week I've been fortunate to stay at my dear friend Charlotte's family home in Deep Cove here on Vancouver Island. Unable to work from our home during our renovation, the refuge of a quiet place to work and stay has been a blessing. And for the first time in several years, days spent completely alone. It's been interesting to re-learn how to just be by myself and a challenge that I think everyone should welcome from time to time.
Surrounded by beautiful gardens 'The Tree House' as it's been suitably named is the quintessential Pacific Northwest dwelling. Built around the great-grandfather of cedars, as I sit here writing in the cozy dining room, he stands beside me, his canopy protecting the roof, looking out over the ocean. Situated on the shoreline, the calm waters can been seen from the kitchen window, framed by lush ivy. Each room holds the history of Charlotte's family, who have inhabited The Tree House for the past thirty years.
Tomorrow I will return home, carrying with me a greater appreciation for solitude.